Historical Events tagged with "1960"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Politics & Government

Nez Perce Tribe Receives Land Financial Settlement

June 17th, 1960 64 years ago

The U.S. government awarded the Nez Perce Tribe $4 million for 7 million acres of land that had been undervalued at four cents per acre, as determined by the 1863 treaty. This financial reparation acknowledged the historical grievances tied to the original treaty negotiations that denied fair compensation for the land taken from the tribe. The settlement aimed to address decades of economic disparity and provide the tribe with funds for development and autonomy.

Continue Reading
Natural Disasters

Tsunami from Chilean Earthquake Strikes Hilo

May 23rd, 1960 64 years ago

A powerful tsunami struck Hilo, Hawaii, following a massive earthquake in Chile. The earthquake, measured at a magnitude of 9.5, was the strongest ever recorded. As the tsunami waves reached Hilo, they devastated the coastal area, resulting in significant loss of life. Rescue operations commenced immediately, but the impact was profound with 61 reported fatalities and extensive property destruction. This event highlighted the devastating nature of tsunamis triggered by distant seismic activity and prompted further developments in tsunami warning systems.

Continue Reading
Natural Disasters

Most Powerful Earthquake Ever Recorded

May 22nd, 1960 64 years ago

A colossal earthquake struck southern Chile, registering 9.5 on the moment magnitude scale. The epicenter was near Valdivia, and the quake lasted approximately 10 minutes. It triggered devastating tsunamis that impacted the coasts of South America and as far away as Hawaii and Japan. The quake resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction.

Continue Reading
Health & Medicine

FDA Approves First Oral Contraceptive Pill

May 9th, 1960 64 years ago

The Food and Drug Administration announced the approval of Searle's Enovid as the first oral contraceptive, marking a significant shift in birth control methods. This milestone opened the door for women to have greater control over their reproductive health. The decision was rooted in the desire for effective and safe birth control options amidst growing concerns about population control and women’s rights in the post-war era. Enovid became widely available and shaped the future of contraception and reproductive rights.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Hendrik Verwoerd Survives Assassination Attempt

April 9th, 1960 64 years ago

In Johannesburg, Dr. Hendrik Verwoerd, the Prime Minister of South Africa and a key architect of apartheid, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt by David Pratt, a white farmer. The attack was characterized by a shooting incident that highlighted the intense political tensions surrounding apartheid policies during this period. An assertion of resistance from the opposition and growing unrest within the nation culminated in this violent act, which targeted one of the most controversial figures in South African history.

Continue Reading
Social Movements & Civil Rights

Sharpeville Massacre and Its Aftermath

March 21st, 1960 64 years ago

In Sharpeville, South Africa, police opened fire on a group of black South African demonstrators protesting against apartheid pass laws. The shooting resulted in 69 deaths and approximately 180 injuries, marking a significant turning point in the struggle against racial oppression in the country. The demonstrators had gathered peacefully, yet police declared the gathering illegal, leading to the tragic outburst of violence that shocked the nation and the world.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 710 Crash

March 17th, 1960 64 years ago

Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 710, a Lockheed L-188 Electra, crashed in Tobin Township, Indiana, killing all 63 people on board. The flight was en route from New York to Seattle when it encountered inclement weather. Poor visibility led to the tragic accident as the plane descended into a wooded area approximately nine miles south of the intended airport.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Alitalia Flight Crashes into Shannon Cemetery

February 26th, 1960 65 years ago

An Alitalia airliner bound for New York crashed shortly after takeoff from Shannon, Ireland. The accident resulted in the deaths of 34 of the 52 individuals aboard the flight. The plane, experiencing technical failures, lost altitude and struck a nearby cemetery, causing significant damage to both the aircraft and the site. The crash raised concerns about air safety and led to investigations into aviation regulations.

Continue Reading